Saturday, May 14, is National Astronomy Day and is part of National Astronomy Week. New Jersey has a lot of light pollution. But it still has some decent places to view the night sky. Watch video
At first glance, it may not seem like New Jersey is the best place to celebrate National Astronomy Day. Our highway access may be great, but being such an overdeveloped state and having two giant neighbors -- New York and Philadelphia -- makes it not the most ideal place for stargazing.
Nevertheless, there are some spots in the Garden State that are far enough away from the glare of artificial lights to get a decent view of the night sky and its stars. So astronomy buffs and ordinary New Jerseyans who want to see what's up in the sky during National Astronomy Day this Saturday have several options.
Below is a list of several local and state parks recommended by New Jersey's astronomy aficionados. (One important note: Most of the these places are off-limits after sundown, except during public astronomy events. It's best to check the park websites or call their contact numbers to avoid any trouble.)
Before you decide to jump into your car and find an ideal spot to do some stargazing, there are a few things you should know.
When is the best time to view the sky?
Astronomy experts say the phase of the moon is crucial to good viewing opportunities. "Make sure you go out when there's a new moon, so there's no moon light at all," said Jim Roselli, president of the New Jersey Astronomical Association. "That's when the sky is going to be the darkest," so objects in the sky will be more visible and more vivid. The next new moon is June 5.
Diane Jeffer, secretary of United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, said sunset light is another factor to consider. Sky watchers, she said, should wait for the "astronomical twilight." That is "when the sun is far enough below the horizon that it no longer contributes to sky glow," Jeffer said. "This may be an hour and a half or more past the actual sunset time."
Where is the best location for stargazing in New Jersey?
Find a place that's as far away as possible from light pollution. If you don't live close to any of the places on our list below, check the Dark Sky Finder map online. Simply type a town or a specific street address into the search bar on top of the map, then zoom out by clicking the negative sign at the bottom of the map. Areas shaded yellow or cream-colored will offer the best sky darkness in New Jersey.
How to prepare for a night of stargazing
As long as you find a good spot on a clear, dark night, you don't need a fancy telescope or high-powered binoculars to see interesting objects in the sky, Roselli said. Most ordinary binoculars, which can be found for $50 or less, should do the trick. On thing to remember: It usually takes about 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, so Roselli recommends keeping flashlights or other artificial lighting (like car lights) dimmed or off for a while before you look up into the night sky.
GOOD OPTIONS
Here are some of the places across New Jersey that offer a good view of the night sky:
Bass River State Forest
Location: Bass River Township, Burlington County
Hours: This state park, operated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, is open from sunrise to sunset, except when public sky-watching events are scheduled. Overnight campers need to obtain a special use permit from the park office for star-gazing activities.
More information: Bass River State Forest website
Horseshoe Bend Park
Location: 178 Horseshoe Bend Road, Frenchtown, Hunterdon County
Hours: This is a public park, with no set hours. However, if visitors plan to use the park at night, they need to contact the township municipal building in advance, at 908-996-4276. Visitors should use the park's north entrance.
More information: Kingwood Township website
New Jersey has a lot of light pollution. But it still has some decent places to view the night sky, especially if you have access to a large refractor telescope, like this one. (Carolyn Kaster | AP) Jenny Jump State Forest
Location: State Park Road, Hope, Warren County
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; night hours during public sky-watching events.
Events: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) leases property from the state DEP and operates the Greenwood Observatory. The UACNJ offers free sky-watching programs every Saturday from May through October, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. According to the organization's website, the public can view the planets and other celestial objects through the club's telescopes, or bring their own.
More information: United Astronomy Clubs
Longo Planetarium
Location: County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, Morris County
Hours: Times vary, depending on days and events
Events: May 14 at 3 p.m., "Shapes in the Sky," aimed at younger sky observers; May 14 at 5 p.m., "Tour of the Planets." Tickets cost $10 for each program. Guests can call to make a reservation and pay when they arrive. Reservation desk: 973-328-5076.
More information: Longo Planetarium website
Penn State Forest
Location: Sooy Road, Chatsworth, Burlington County
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, except on nights when special events are planned. Overnight campers need to obtain a special use permit for star-gazing activities from the park office at Bass River State Park, which administers Penn State Forest.
More information: Penn State Forest website
Voorhees State Park
Location: Route 513, Clinton, Hunterdon County
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends
Events: At the Paul Robinson Observatory in the park, the New Jersey Astronomical Association offers standard viewing days the fourth Saturday of every month, as well as other public programs on Fridays and Saturdays, such as Young Astronomers Night.
More information: New Jersey Astronomical Association
Washington Crossing State Park
Location: Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, Mercer County
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; later hours during public events
Events: At the Simpson Observatory, the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton has public star-watching programs Friday nights through October, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
More information: Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton
Wharton State Forest
Location: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, near border of Atlantic and Burlington County
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, except on nights when special events are planned. Overnight campers need a special use permit, which can be obtained at reserveamerica.com.
Events: A free star-watching event is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at the Batsto Village Visitor's Center, off County Road 542, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., sponsored by the West Jersey Astronomical Society. Additional star-watching events are planned for June 11, July 9 and Sept. 10, all from 7 to 10 p.m.
More information: West Jersey Astronomical Society
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.